Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves signed a four-year, $185 million deal to stay, while fellow LA free agent LeBron James has decided to leave.
While LeBron’s next destination is still unclear, it’s been confirmed that he will not return for a ninth season with the Lakers. Meanwhile, Reaves will return for his fifth season in LA.
LeBron was instrumental in Reaves’ development over his young career, so the moment Reaves found out his mentor was leaving was a major one.
Austin Reaves reveals he was playing golf when he heard of LeBron James’ decision
Reaves appeared on The Dan Patrick Show and revealed how he found out that LeBron was leaving the Lakers while playing golf with former teammate D’Angelo Russell.
“I was actually at Pinehurst playing golf. D’Lo had this Ryder Cup-style thing out there, so we were playing, and I think it was my girlfriend who texted me. I pulled up Instagram, and it was all over that. I was having a great day on the golf course, too, that ruined it.”
LeBron has had a massive impact on Reaves’ career, and the 28-year-old guard admitted the same to Patrick in the interview.
“He’s probably had the biggest impact of anyone on my career since I’ve been in LA, nothing but love and respect.”
Austin Reaves has to thrive without LeBron James
James took a keen interest in Reaves’ development as early as his rookie season, actively coaching the undrafted free agent to improve his court awareness.
This led to Reaves gradually becoming more comfortable on the court, and then an All-Star caliber player who signed the biggest contract of any undrafted free agent in NBA history.
Reaves averaged 28.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.8 assists in the 16 games he played without LeBron last season, leading the Lakers to a strong 12-4 record in that span.
While Austin will be expected to be the No. 2 option behind Doncic, Reaves will now be the veteran in the locker room, as he is currently the oldest player under contract on the Lakers.
James’ baton as the on-court leader might have passed to Doncic, but the one as the locker room leader will likely belong to Reaves.
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